The whole point is to fully experience the fullness of it all. That's where the pleasure is. That's where the purpose will come. That's where the connections with the minds and hearts of those who will contribute to and benefit from your journey will cross your path—and when they do, the point is to be able to meet them all the way.

As a perpetually maturing artist, certain moments strike me as clear signs of growth when I least expect them. A big one happened the other day when I realized that a lot of would-be artists are wrapped up in a fear so debilitating that it surfaces in unpleasant and unbecoming ways, keeping them from any chance at fulfillment or growth not only in their art, but in their daily lives.